FDA approves Genzyme's Lemtrada for relapsing multiple sclerosis

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Lemtrada, a treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis made by the drugmaker Genzyme.

The drug has already been approved by the European Medicines Agency for use in the European Union and in Canada and Australia.

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Sanofi, the parent company of Genzyme, wants to market Lemtrada as a treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis, a disease in which the immune system attacks healthy nerves. It can cause pain, numbness, slurred speech, impaired vision, muscle weakness and neurological problems.

The French pharmaceutical company recently fired its CEO, Christopher Viehbacher, following a board room rift in which the chairman complained about his management style and an "inappropriate" lack of communication.